Following the team with a unique perspective on all things Phillies. Email me: PhilliesPhollowers@comcast.net – Peace, Love & Baseball – Jenn

Hamels Shines As Phillies Sweep Reds

The Phillies beat the Reds today to complete a 4-game sweep and head into the All-Star break.And for the first time this week, they did not need extra innings or a walk-off hit to beat them.And although the 1-0 victory was a very tight game, it felt more like the Phillies were in the driver’s seat the whole game.

Most of that had to do with the performance, and confidence, of pitcher Cole Hamels.He finally looked like the 2008 World Series MVP again.Not only was Hamels making his pitches, but he looked determined on the mound.More importantly, he was never rattled by bad calls or bad plays; and there were plenty of those to go around.

For instance, Ryan Howard dropped a pop-up. In his defense, it was a tough play. Also the first base umpire called a runner safe when replay showed he was out by a good amount.And then there was the home plate umpire who had a strike zone most of the day that was about the size of a pea.As the weather got hotter though, it looked like he expanded it a little.See here as a pitch to Carlos Ruiz is called a strike; note that the ball crosses the plate at his elbow.And here is the Howard play as well:

But despite the miscues, Hamels kept right on pitching with fervor.After Howard dropped the ball and the ump blew the call at first, in both cases Hamels got a double play to erase the mistakes.You cannot ask for more than that from your pitcher; well done.Here are a few more photos:

Not so well done was the following: TWO fan interference calls which necessitated TWO booth reviews on balls that looked like home runs.Ruiz hit the first one, but on replay it was a double and the fan really did not affect it too much.

The next one was a hit by Jayson Werth where the fan reached over the wall and snagged the ball.While it also was not a homer, had the ball been left alone, it would have bounced off the wall.Centerfielder Drew Stubbs was jumping up for the ball, which then would have bounced far away from him, possibly enabling Werth to go to third base or even score an inside-the-park homer.But because of the fan, it was a ground rule double and we will never know what could have been.

Ok people, I am officially putting Stupid Fans ON NOTICE.Not all Phils fans; just the STUPID ones (you know who you are).One day soon, if this trend continues, like the fan who took a pop-up away from Werth on Thursday, a fan is going to cost this team a game.Mark my words: it will happen.Today it did not; Thursday it did not; but it is coming.If you are lucky enough to have a seat in the front row of a section and simple cannot or will not pay full attention to the game and its rules, give your seat to someone who will.

And the Phillies need to start cracking down on this behavior.Anyone who leans into the field of play or interfere’s with a player should be ejected and fined.The Phils “say” they will do this, but more times than not, I see the same idiot fan still in his seat, waiting to ruin another play.Let’s put it this way, follow the rules and respect the game otherwise, I will suggest to the Phillies that they have Jayson Werth run around the stadium and cuss out the entire front row.You know he will do it ;o)

And no, I do not condone Werth’s language during the incident on Thursday.It did make me sad for that poor kid.But he did have a point.If you are a fan of the game, act like one.PAY ATTENTION.Thank you.

And now back to the game :O)Sorry for the rant interlude…

The Phillies offense had only 4 hits and 1 run as both pitchers were doing well.Jimmy Rollins had 2 of the 4 hits plus the lone RBI; the other two hits were the fan-interference doubles.Hamels wound up pitching 7 2/3 innings without allowing a run.Jose Contreras ended the 8th and JC Romero got the first out of the 9th.

Romero looked like he was on fire as he mowed down his one hitter.So when Charlie Manuel came out of the dugout to bring in Brad Lidge for the save, most of the crowd began hollering and boo’ing.Not only did Romero look great, but Lidge has been anything but great this year.With only 5 save in 8 attempts, Lidge makes people nervous.But Manuel is determined Lidge will get better and today, he did.Two quick outs and the save was intact, plus a win for Hamels.Whew!

Closing out the first half of 2010 with a 4-game sweep was a much needed boost to this Phillies team that has struggled most of the year with injuries, slumps and sloppy play.This series could be the engine that propels them into a great second half.

But for now, All-Star fever is upon us.Before today’s game, the coaching staff and players were given their All-Star jerseys.Even the Phanatic got one; he was very excited.And All-Star Mickey Mouse made an appearance at the stadium as well:

6 Comments

I was there on Saturday with my dad. It was glorious to see the Phillies win and it was pretty awesome to see that kid Wood pitching so great, even if it was against us. Let’s hope that the boys get nice and rested during the break. A comeback is very, very possible.

Hey Jenn! I was at yesterday’s game too, with my daughter. I didn’t take a whole lot of photos – she informed me she didn’t want to stay long if I did nothing but take pictures the whole game🙂 , and it was really hot. It looks like you were a little further down the first base side than us; we were in section 116. I thought of trying to text you to see if you were there, but your cell number got lost in my old phone when it died.😦
And yeah, what the h*ll is wrong with these people interfering with balls? I’ll give the guy the other night a tiny break, as that ball actually was in the stands, though still playable. But the two yesterday obviously reached over the railing. Think, people!
SueRants, Raves, and Random Thoughts
Gack! I haven’t been near my blog in WEEKS! Instead of needing to get a life, I’ve had too much life lately, it seems.

I agree with the rant. I was in 132 and I just couldn’t but help shake my head, with both of them. The fans are idiots. However, they did eject at least the second fan. I was watching the fan, and I was glad that they did.

My rant addition: people who boo the Phillies players. What does booing Lidge or anyone else, live in the stadium help? Nothing. If they are struggling, they need our help to try to pull it around. If they are just taking the field, they need to feel as confident as possible.

Sure, there are times I’m frustrated with the team and times they ‘deserve’ to be booed. It’s counterproductive though. Be silent if you have to, but don’t boo the team you say you are a fan of.

Jenn,
Love the way MLB and Disney Consumer Products got together and built those 7.5 foot 898 pound MLB All Star mice for every team. Reminds me of the Statute of Liberty mammoth structures bult a few years ago.
Sunday’s game really had me intriqued a bit. Was wondering if there might be an emotional letdown after two straight last minute celebrations. But the Phillies showed why they are going to be the team to beat when injuries are a thing of the past soon.
No worries yeton the standings. We all know that the season doesn’t end today,and there is a huge amount of great baseball still left in the Phillies fuel tanks.
Looking forward to a fun second half.

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